UNIFIL denies failing to report illegal Hizbullah activity

By JPOST.COM STAFF
UNIFIL on Tuesday denied Israeli accusations that the international force was not reporting illegal Hizbullah activity in southern Lebanon so as to avoid a full-blown confrontation with the guerrilla group. In a statement, UNIFIL said that it operated according to the correct procedures and according to the situation on the ground, emphasizing that it submits reports to the United Nation Security Council. At the end of March, UN forces confronted a suspicious pickup truck that was carrying weaponry, and armed men following it in two vehicles. Defense officials said Monday that a full report on the incident had not been submitted to the Security Council. According to the officials, the UN troops had the option of using force to stop the weapons shipment, but instead decided to withdraw and not engage the armed men.